Assistant Scientist

Terracon; Wheat Ridge (CO); On-site; USD 48,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Terracon is seeking a motivated inspector to perform asbestos, lead paint, and regulated material inspections. You will collect field data, samples, and reports while supporting abatement oversight and air monitoring during projects.

Responsibilities include indoor air quality assessments, review of lab documents, and data reporting. You will adhere to safety standards and may assist with Phase I ESAs and related field work as needed.

Qualifications

• Exceptional interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
• Valid driver’s license with acceptable violation history.
• Microsoft Office Suite proficiency.
• Minimum 0–3 years of relevant experience or training.

Responsibilities

• Perform building inspections for asbestos-containing materials per AHERA and CDPHE guidelines.
• Conduct field tests and services as directed and required.
• Perform air monitoring and visual inspections during abatement projects.
• Collect samples of painted coatings in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.
• Operate and maintain field monitoring equipment (pumps, PID, etc.).
• Collect noise level data in industrial or commercial settings.
• Identify suspect material and collect samples for analysis.
• Conduct indoor air quality assessments and report findings.
• Tabulate field notes and data for written reports; assist with report preparation.
• Follow safety guidelines; participate in pre-task planning and safety issue reporting.
• Maintain quality standards across projects using company platforms.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Oral communication

Written communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associates or bachelor’s degree in Occupational Safety and Health, Industrial Hygiene, Environmental Science or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

General Responsibilities

The ideal candidate for this position is passionate about protecting public health and the environment, curious about the construction of building systems, and is eager to acquire the necessary certifications for asbestos and lead inspections. This individual will perform building inspections, conduct abatement oversight, and will assist staff and project managers with industrial hygiene projects as part of due diligence, or in anticipation of renovation or demolition activities at a site.

The individual selected for this position will spend the majority of their time performing asbestos, lead paint, and regulated building material inspections. Job duties necessary for this work includes collection of field documentation, collection of bulk samples, review of laboratory documents, and data reporting. The candidate will be responsible for oversight during asbestos abatement, which includes contractor interaction, operation of field air monitoring equipment, collection of daily field documentation, and on-site analysis of air samples by Phase Contrast Microscopy (PCM).

Industrial hygiene inspections may include noise surveys, radon testing, mold and moisture evaluations, and/or other sampling monitoring such as silica, metals, lead, and data reporting.

Although the primary focus of this position will be to perform industrial hygiene and asbestos work, opportunities to assist with other tasks within the Environmental Department may arise, including: performing Phase I Environmental Site Assessments, or field work involving evaluation and sampling of environmental media which often include air, groundwater, sediment, and soil.

The candidate will be responsible for cleaning and maintaining field monitoring equipment and company vehicles. Candidate will be required to adhere to strict company health and safety standards.

We are looking for an enthusiastic, flexible, and personable individual with an eye for detail, a willingness to learn, and a desire to be part of a growing and high-performing team. This is a project-focused position. Typically not focused on one project for too long.

Essential Roles And Responsibilities

• Performing building inspections for asbestos-containing building materials in accordance with Asbestos Hazardous Emergency Response Act (AHERA) guidelines and Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) Regulation No. 8, Part B.
• Performing field tests which often include multiple tasks and services, ranging in complexity, as directed and required.
• Performing air monitoring and visual inspections during asbestos abatement projects.
• Collecting samples of painted coatings (via paint chip or XRF) in residential, commercial and industrial settings.
• Operation, calibration, and maintenance of field monitoring equipment such as high- and low- volume pumps, calibration devices, and PID or combustible gas indicators.
• Collection of noise level data at industrial and/or commercial settings.
• Identification and sample collection of building materials exhibiting suspect microbial growth.
• Performing indoor air quality assessments.
• Tabulating field notes, documents, and data for written reports in a timely manner.
• May assist with report preparation by reviewing and summarizing data for inclusion within reports.
• Follow safety rules, guidelines and standards for all projects. Participate in pre-task planning. Report any safety issues or concerns to management.
• Maintaining quality standards on all projects, using applicable platforms and systems.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum 0-3 years of relevant experience or the equivalent in training and related experience.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
• Valid driver’s license with acceptable violation history.
• Exceptional interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills allowing for positive internal, client, and contractor relationships.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certification(s) in field of expertise. Examples include:
• CDPHE-Certified Asbestos Building Inspector (CABI)
• CDPHE-Certified Asbestos Air-Monitoring Specialist (AMS)
• Lead Paint Inspector and / or Risk Assessor
• Mold Technician
• 40-hour HAZWOPER certificate (with an up-to-date 8-hour annual refresher course certification).
• Associates or bachelor’s degree in Occupational Safety and Health, Industrial Hygiene, Environmental Science or related scientific field
• Other national, regional, state, and local environmental related certifications requiring experience and written examination will also be considered if deemed appropriate by the Terracon Department Manager.